Minister Angelkova talks to Mehmet Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey

The Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, held a phone conversation with the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey, Mehmet Ersoy. Turkey is among the top 10 markets for inbound tourism to Bulgaria, emphasized Minister Angelkova, congratulating her counterpart on taking up his office. She added that during January-May of this year over 264 000 Turkish nationals visited our country, registering a 9.1% growth compared to the same period of 2017. Last year, tourism visits from Turkey were more than 636 000, registering 12.5% growth, while over the last 5 years Turkish tourists visiting Bulgaria grew twofold, announced the minister.

Development of the so-called Balkan Route was one of the topics discussed by the two ministers. They shared the opinion that this product will be exceptionally useful in attracting tourists from remote destinations to both countries. Minister Angelkova emphasized that it is crucial to provide a personalized service, thus responding to the needs of visitors from remote countries, such as China and Japan. She added that this would build upon on the tourism products marketed in both Bulgaria and Turkey, recalling that its creation was proposed and supported during a summit meeting of the ministers of tourism of the EU member-states entitled Tourism & Economic Growth and organized during Bulgaria’s presidency of the EU Council.

Minister Angelkova invited her Turkish counterpart to be a part of the second International Congress of World Civilizations and Ancient Routes. It is being organized under the aegis of the World Tourism Organization and will be held on November 14-16 in Sofia.

Minister Mehmet Ersoy commented that he relies on the two neighbouring countries continuing their fruitful cooperation in tourism. He added further that he will support and assist the arrangement of any initiatives, which will contribute to the successful development of the sector.